Everyday maths calculator

Percentage Calculator

Work out percentages, percentage increases, decreases, differences and percentage changes in a few seconds.

Calculate a percentage

Choose the calculation you need, enter the values, and the calculator will show the answer with the formula used.

Enter the percentage you want to calculate.
Enter the number to apply it to.
Result
30
20% of 150 is 30.
Formula: 150 × 20 ÷ 100 = 30
Money examples should usually be rounded to 2 decimal places. For learning or checking a formula, use more decimal places.

How the percentage calculator works

This calculator covers the most common everyday percentage sums: percentage of a number, percentage increase, percentage decrease, percentage difference, and adding or subtracting a percentage.

Percentage of a number = number × percentage ÷ 100 Percentage change = (new value − old value) ÷ old value × 100 Percentage difference = |A − B| ÷ average of A and B × 100

The important part is choosing the right type of calculation. A percentage increase from 100 to 125 is 25%, but the percentage difference between 100 and 125 is 22.22% because it uses the average of both values. Related Calculatorz pages include How to calculate percentages, How to compare unit prices when shopping and proportion.

Percentage examples

20% of 150150 × 20 ÷ 100 = 30.
100 to 125The increase is 25 because 25 ÷ 100 × 100 = 25%.
Subtract 15% from £80£80 × 0.85 = £68.
Add 20% VAT to £100£100 × 1.20 = £120. Use the VAT calculator for full VAT breakdowns.

Common percentage mistakes

  • Percentage change is directional: from 100 to 125 is a 25% increase, but from 125 to 100 is a 20% decrease.
  • Percentage difference is different: it compares two numbers using their average.
  • Percentage points are not the same as percent: moving from 5% to 7% is a 2 percentage point rise, not a 2% rise.
  • Removing VAT is different from subtracting 20%: for 20% VAT, divide a VAT-inclusive price by 1.20.

Percentage calculator FAQs

How do I calculate a percentage of a number?

Multiply the number by the percentage, then divide by 100. For example, 20% of 150 is 150 × 20 ÷ 100 = 30.

How do I calculate percentage increase?

Subtract the old value from the new value, divide by the old value, then multiply by 100.

How do I calculate percentage decrease?

Subtract the new value from the old value, divide by the old value, then multiply by 100.

What is the difference between percentage change and percentage difference?

Percentage change compares a new value against an old starting value. Percentage difference compares two values against their average.

Useful glossary terms

Need a VAT or sale-price answer?

Use the linked calculators when the percentage is part of an invoice, receipt or discount.

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